Category Archives: Issues
April 2020
A Summary of Potential Pharmacotherapy for COVID-19: A Review of the Available Literature.
At the time of this writing, we as lower extremity providers are in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic. Per the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no current evidence to recommend any specific anti-COVID-19 supportive or antiviral treatment for patients with confirmed COVID-19.
By Robert G. Smith, DPM, MSc, RPh Continue reading
April 2020
Unique Times, Unique Opportunities
We are living in an exceptional time. Like you, we’re sheltering in our homes and donning face masks when we venture out. We’re happy to play our part to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus that leads to COVID-19, but we’ll sure be happier when things return to normal…. But the reality is that there will be a new normal, and we can’t quite see what that looks like just yet.
By Rich Dubin, Publisher, and Janice T. Radak, Editor, LER Continue reading
April 2020
COVID-19: How The Virus Spreads, Unique Clotting, New Registries
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized infection by COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COV-2), as a pandemic. Worldwide, countries have issued stay-at-home orders of varying degrees, in an effort to stem the spread of the virus and “flatten the curve” on its rising death toll, as well as to prevent… Continue reading
April 2020
Access to Medicare Telehealth Services Broadened Temporarily
With the emergence of the virus causing the disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is an urgency to expand the use of technology to help people who need routine care, and keep vulnerable beneficiaries and beneficiaries with mild symptoms in their homes while maintaining access to the care they need. Continue reading
April 2020
American Academy of Dermatology Registry
The American Academy of Dermatology has also begun a registry to focus on the dermatologic manifestations of the COVID-19 virus. Unlike the COVID Foot Registry, the AAD registry is only for healthcare professionals and is not limited to those specializing in dermatology. Professionals from any country may enter a case. Continue reading
April 2020
Early Orthotic Intervention in Pediatric Patients, Part 3: Muscular Dystrophy
Improving patient care includes questioning traditional treatment approaches; in this case, it’s also about developing ways to enhance and augment those techniques. The first two articles in this series looked, respectively, at early orthotic intervention in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and in those with Down syndrome and other neurological conditions.
By Cary Groner Continue reading
April 2020
Using The “Reformer,” “Wunda Chair,” and “foot Corrector”: The Pilates Method Enhances Alignment and Core Awareness
A trained Pilates professional in a fully equipped studio can help your patient make significant improvement in strength and flexibility by addressing postural habits and alignment problems. Joseph Hubertus Pilates began development of his method – a body–mind approach to exercise –in the early 1920s. As a child, Pilates suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever.
By Marianne Adams, MA, MFA Continue reading
April 2020
The Role of Exercise Therapies for the Management of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Clinicians may find the EdUReP theoretical framework provides helpful guidance for exercise prescription and load management for patients with this potentially disabling condition. Despite the substantial gains in knowledge and understanding of lower extremity tendinopathies in recent years..
By Talysha Reeve, B.App.Sc.(Podiatry), GradCertClinRehab Continue reading
April 2020
Preventing Re-ulceration in Diabetes
In a recent short review, Michael J. Mueller, PT, PhD, FAPTA, provided 5 evidence-based suggestions for helping patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (PN) safely and effectively increase their mobility after a healed foot ulcer. Mueller is a professor of physical therapy and radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Continue reading
April 2020
Amphibious Prosthetic Limb
In an effort to restore aquatic mobility and independence to lower limb amputees, a team of researchers and doctors at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, developed a state-of-the-art, 3D-printed amphibious prosthetic limb known as The Fin. Printed at a lower cost than traditional swim prostheses… Continue reading
April 2020
IntelliSense Temperature-Regulating Custom Orthotics
Foot Levelers has introduced IntelliSense custom orthotics. These smart insoles add comfort while the phase-change top cover helps keep feet regulated in a temperature-controlled comfort zone through the changing seasons. This means feet are kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Continue reading
April 2020
UD Team Receives Funding to Further Develop Smart AFO for Children with CP
The Venture Development Center and Physical Therapy Department at the University of Delaware (UD) have received $50,000 in seed money from the Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium to further develop a motorized ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) called the DE-AFO. The DE-AFO, designed by Ahad Behboodi, PhD, and his team, uses… Continue reading
April 2020
New C-TEK MODStiff Material for Orthoses
When fabricating orthoses, many clinicians and technicians have sought a material with a flexural modulus (stiffness) between modified polyethylene (MPE) and copolymer polypropylene (copoly), with a 52 kpsi stiffness and 200 kpsi stiffness, respectively. In response, Curbell O&P, a division of Curbell Plastics, has introduced C-TEK MODStiff Continue reading
April 2020
Duke Researchers Engineer Bone Bandage to Accelerate Healing
Researchers at Duke University (Duke) have engineered a bandage that captures and holds a pro-healing molecule at the site of a bone break to accelerate and improve healing. In a proof-of-principle study with mice, the bandage helped to accelerate callus formation and vascularization to achieve better bone repair by 3 weeks. Continue reading
April 2020
Conformis Appoints New CFO and SVP, Operations
Conformis, Billerica, MA, a medical technology company that uses its proprietary iFit Image-to-Implant technology platform to develop, manufacture, and sell patient-specific knee and hip joint replacement implants, announced the appointment of Bob Howe as chief financial officer, and Gary Maingot as Senior Vice President, Operations. Continue reading
April 2020
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness is a 97%-natural pain relief gel that is formulated to relieve muscle spasms, cramping, tingling, and symptoms associated with restlessness. This patent-pending blend of botanicals and minerals is clear, non-staining, and odorless. It is easily absorbed and free from alcohol, dyes, and perfumes. Continue reading
April 2020
Foot Solutions Acquired by Private Investor Group
Foot Solutions, Atlanta, GA, announced the acquisition of the business by a group of private investors. John Prothro, an experienced executive and one of the anchor investors, has been appointed CEO and will be leading the company day-to-day. The previous owner and CEO, Ray Margiano, PhD, will be a special advisor to the company leadership. Continue reading
April 2020
FitTrack Dara Smart Scale
The FitTrack Dara Smart Scale offers insight into the user’s day-to-day and long-term health. Using Advanced Dual BIA [Bioelectric Impedance Analysis] Technology, FitTrack provides a complete body composition analysis that syncs to the free connected FitTrack Health App. Continue reading
April 2020
Comb O&P Launches iPhone Scanning App for O&P Professionals
Comb O&P, Cleveland, OH, an orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) shape capture company, has announced that its Comb 3D Scanner App is now available on the iPhone App Store. The state-of-the-art app leverages the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera, powered by KNOCKOUT 3D™, to capture 3D scans of body parts—no additional attachments or hardware is needed. Continue reading
April 2020
RunGoo Protective Foot Cream
Active feet sweat and swell, and even the best footwear does not fit everyone perfectly under all conditions. RunGoo is a barrier cream, formulated to prevent blisters in the harsh environment of a boot or shoe. By forming a protective layer on the skin’s surface, RunGoo protects feet from the friction and heat that cause blisters and soft tissue bruising. Continue reading
April 2020
Remington Products Acquires Foot Petals
Remington Products, Wadsworth, OH, manufacturer of aftermarket insoles and orthopedic soft goods, has acquired the Foot Petals brand of foot cushions and inserts from RG Barry Corporation, Pickerington, OH. The acquisition will allow the companies to merge their complementary strengths and collective resources. Continue reading
April 2020
STS Company Rigid Dressing Sock
The Rigid Dressing Sock from STS has been designed for use as a component in a post-operative rigid dressing for a residual limb after amputation. This lightweight sock helps protect the limb, while its uniform compression assists in controlling surgical edema. It is made from polyester and Lycra and impregnated with a water-curable polyurethane resin. Continue reading
April 2020
X4 Foot & Gait Measurement System
Xsensor’s X4 Foot & Gait Measurement System provides accurate, easy-to-use gait, foot function, and plantar pressure data for any patient evaluation scenario, including surgical or therapeutic interventions and pathology. It is also useful in providing real-time feedback for patients with diabetic foot ulcers and is part of an effective treatment plan. Continue reading
March 2020
#1: Why Biomechanics Matter— What Are the Clinical and Athletics Ramifications
We all strive for healthy and happy lives, and many of us are fortunate to reach these goals. For these people, living in the physical world is not a challenge but a pleasure. The world does not overwhelm them; rather, it interacts and plays with them in enjoyable ways. To quote Walt Whitman, we “swim with the swimmers, wrestle with the…
By Paul DeVita, PhD Continue reading
March 2020
AFO Configuration Can Improve Efficacy of the Orthotic Intervention on Gait Patterns in CP Patients
Cerebral Palsy (CP) represents the most common cause of motor disability in childhood with dysfunctional gait being one of the main problems. Early adoption of intervention programs adapted to the patient’s functional limitation and disability represent the current standard of care; therapeutic approaches include Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) for which the evidence shows they…
By Keith Loria Continue reading
